International Student Track Reports
English Speaking Africa prayer meeting
Anne Malekoote
Every evening members of the International Student Track (IST) gather together
in country groups to encourage one another, process what they're learning at
Urbana and pray for their country and the world. Gesa, a Nigerian student attending
Westminster Theological Seminary was willing to tell me about his experience
at the "English Speaking Africa" prayer meetings.
Gesa has shared these prayer meetings with students from Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Uganda. He says these students, through the IST, are gaining a heart for their country and the African continent. The first night students reflected on problems in Africa. One student commented, "the rest of the world has pushed Satan out and he has found a nest in Africa." This student was responding to the discouragement he felt from numerous struggles and evils facing this continent. Africa is experiencing civil war, tribal war, an AIDS epidemic, poverty, sickness and disease. Where is God at work in Africa? How should these students respond to the difficulty and oppression surrounding them and their families?
Gesa said that discussing these problems with other African Christians and praying about these issues was a new realization for many of the students. Since coming to America they have never experienced this type of serious Christian atmosphere and serious focus on African problems. He says that many African students come from strong Christian backgrounds, but when they come to the United States they relax their spirituality. They may attend a church for a month or semester, but after that they drift away. Urbana, the IST, and country prayer meetings are bringing these students back to obedience to Jesus.
During the second prayer meeting the English Speaking African students talked about going back to Africa after graduation and what that would be like. Some of the students had never considered returning to their home country. They desire the American dream - acquiring things, living luxurious lifestyles, and enjoying the freedom to pick and choose anything from a plethora of options. Gesa, who is receiving training that he hopes to take back to African seminaries to serve the African youth, encouraged students to go home to serve.
Gesa is thankful to be a part of these prayer meetings and the IST where he has met international students from other countries. He's listened to the experience of other students and has shared his experiences and love for Africa. He says, "God has opened my eyes through Urbana to see those who are involved in the expansion of the kingdom ministry." He and other African students have been able to see the other side of America, the side not seen on television. He's seen Americans who are concerned for evangelism and the salvation of this nation and other nations.
When asked what he would like to share with the Urbana community about the IST and the country-focused prayer meetings he replied, "I wish to give you a word of encouragement. Keep looking out for internationals. Many of us are confused; going through two cultures and really need help being focused. Otherwise we lose our intention to serve Jesus."
Print
Email
